They're teeing off at Oak Hills ahead of grand opening in May

Oak Hills Park, Norwalk's public golf course, is getting plenty of play lately due to the early warm weather, but the official opening will take place May 7.

The Oak Hills Authority is touting the several improvements that have been made prior to the opening. It's no surprise that season membership prices have increased; still, it's a bargain for a good course.

The authority has to decide how to proceed in providing sustenance to hungry and thirsty golfers. Let's face it, most of the duffers who inhabit the links at Oak Hills will never go on the pro tour. They are looking for an afternoon away from their daily chores, a chance to golf with their buddies -- and possibly play a decent game.

The course has proven an asset to the city as have the adjacent tennis courts. Anything that can be done to increase the pleasure of a visit to the course is welcome.

It appears the excellent food provided by Quattro Pazzi for the past several years was not a big attraction for the golfers and seemed more designed for evening diners anxious to savor Biagio Riccio's authentic Italian cuisine available there and at his other restaurants.

A mini-survey of a small number of golfers was conducted by The Hour, and while not big enough to be definitive, it gives some insight into what most golfers want. After a day burning up the fairways -- and dodging the Canada geese -- it appears they want a more modest menu, typified by a hamburg and a beer, perhaps. There seems to be strong sentiment for a lighter menus, which would include light snacks, sandwiches and, for the more voracious golfers, ribs or a steak.

The Oak Hills Authority is exploring bringing a new restaurant operator to the park, one who might provide a menu more to the golfers' liking. It is reported that the authority is awaiting more information from one such provider. One stipulation the authority members say they want in any agreement is to assure the restaurant would be open to golfers or face a monetary penalty. It seems to us that the wholereason for a food outlet on the course is meant to be for the golfers. We have seen that its out-of-the-way location off Fillow Street would hardlybring casual diners to the restaurant.

There has been mention of many improvements to the course, most of them cosmetic, which makes it more appealing. No mention has been made lately of the prospect of constructing a driving range on the course. Past discussions have drawn strong opposition from neighbors.

Weather permitting, the official opening will be held May 7. Given the amount of traffic on the course already, that seems superfluous. No matter. Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to tee off and remember, replace all divots.